[An Honest Review] Millet Saas-Fee NX 40+5: A Solid All-Round Backpack for Any Activity and Any Season

Not a day goes by without passing by this backpack while hiking on a mountain trail on the weekend. The Millet Saas Fee backpack is one of the most popular backpacks in Japan, with a large number of loyal users.

Most long-established brands have one or two signature items that can be considered their signature, but for this French-born comprehensive mountaineering brand that has long supported Japanese mountaineering culture, Saas- Fee is undoubtedly that signature item today.

-Fee model , the "face" of the brand, has finally made the time to update it this season. The manufacturer kindly provided us with this highly evolved model, allowing us to freely review it, so we'll be sharing the results of our one-month test run right away.

Key features of the Millet Saas-Fee NX 40+5

This mountain backpack features a unique silicone coating on traditional CORDURA® nylon for significantly improved water-repellent performance. The tubular design minimizes seams and makes the main body lighter, more watertight, and easier to access. Previous models retain the same exceptional comfort and stability of the back panel, as well as convenient storage features like a side-access pocket for easy bottle access and a large, foldable waist pocket. The chest harness also features a new mesh pocket for a variety of uses, from bottles to smartphones. This all-around mountain backpack is perfect for beginners and experienced hikers, delivering ample performance in all seasons and activities, from warm seasons to deep winter, and from hiking to alpine climbing

Favorite points

• The center of gravity is on the waist, providing excellent stability and a comfortable carrying experience that doesn't cause fatigue
• Back, waist and shoulder pads that combine cushioning and breathability
• Slim, vertical form with the center of gravity easily positioned at the top
• Capacity scalability
• Large hip belt pocket and mesh shoulder pocket
• Side compression straps that can be attached to the front to secure crampons, snowshoes, etc
• Rainproof enough that a backpack cover is not needed
• Sufficient durability

Points of concern

• The back length cannot be adjusted (although there are size variations)
• The top of the main compartment is difficult to access (there is no large front zipper that allows access without opening the rain cover)
• The opening of the side access pocket is too narrow, making it difficult to put a bottle in and take it out
• Dirt such as sand and dust easily adheres and is difficult to remove

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Material and appearance: The new version has a more elegant appearance and is more reliable with improved water repellency

Looking at the exterior, the first thing that strikes you is the major highlight of this update: the change to a "tubular structure made from a single piece of fabric with minimal stitching." The simple, clean surface is not only excellent in design, but also reduces the risk of wear and tear from snags and fraying, reduces weight due to seam processing (the overall weight is also slightly lighter than the previous model), makes it less likely for water to seep in through the seams, and the smooth interior surface reduces hassle when packing, offering many other benefits. While this type of cylindrical design with minimal seams is often seen in ultralight backpacks, it is not easy to achieve such a seamless finish in a traditional backpack style, and this is an impressive evolution, including the perspective

The vertically slim, self-standing cylindrical silhouette that is not found in other models has been basically retained in this update (see comparison photo below). This vertical shape has the effect of making it easier for the center of gravity to be higher when packed, which means you can walk for long periods of time with a heavy load without feeling any strain, which is something I personally like

Another interesting feature is the Cordura nylon fabric used for the main body. As always, the 210D (denier) Cordura nylon oxford has an excellent balance of lightness and strength, but by applying a unique silicone treatment, the water-repellent properties have been greatly improved. I tested it twice, washed it, and then sprayed it with water, and it still repelled water well (see photo below). In heavy rain, the water will soak in, but it seems like there's no need to put on a rain cover every time it comes in a light shower. By the way, a rain cover is included as usual, and this alone will be enough to protect you from the rain

However, one thing that bothered me (although it didn't affect the product's usability) was that the high-density, specially processed fabric was more prone to dirt and dust than ever before, and it was difficult to wipe off with just my hands. Perhaps it's because the surface is smooth and the weave is dense. After use, you should rinse it thoroughly with water rather than leaving it to sit (← which is actually the correct way to use it)

Comfort: A highly refined back system with padding that distributes weight based on real-world situations, and provides both sweat-wicking and cushioning

The back panel remains almost the same as before (see photo below), providing a comfortable, stable and secure fit. The only noticeable difference is the shoulder harness pocket, which I'll explain later, but the angle of the shoulder harness base has actually been adjusted slightly outward (towards the shoulders) on the new model, making it easier to fit people with more sloping shoulders (although perhaps because I'm on the slim side, I didn't really notice the difference)

The backpack is packed with sophisticated mechanisms that ensure a comfortable fit and stable load distribution, including a pad called "filter foam" that provides moderate cushioning and is highly breathable and quick-drying, a space in the center to allow moisture to escape, and a waist harness that is angled slightly downward to make it easier for the weight to be placed on the waist rather than the shoulders (see photo below)

When you actually try wearing it and walking, the frame fits your spine perfectly, and the cushioning is neither too hard nor too soft, so you'll stay comfortable even when you're out and about for long periods of time.The center of gravity stays close to your body, with most of the weight resting on your hips, so you don't feel any strain or it doesn't wobble.Even if you sweat, it doesn't feel sticky or like sweat is building up, so you can clearly feel how comfortable it is to wear overall

What also really stood out to me was the further improvement of the straps connecting the pack body to the waist harness, a small but important part of the Saas-Fee's comfortable carrying. Previously, the straps extended from the base of the waist harness on the pack body, but now extend from the front of the pack, making it easier to move the pack's center of gravity closer to the body (see photo below). What's more, these straps also serve to compress the pack, so if you tighten these straps in conjunction with the side straps to compress the pack, even if the capacity is low, the luggage won't move around or pull on your back, killing two birds with one stone

However, one thing that is bothersome (and disappointing) is that there is still no back length adjustment function (which is available on almost all major competing models). Of course, there are S/M/L sizes available, but the true perfect fit is still the ability to freely and precisely adjust it. Further updates are expected in the future to allow for a more satisfying and ideal fit

Storage and ease of use: Basic storage + unique and convenient storage to suit a wide range of activities

When it comes to storage, such as pockets and attachments (straps and loops), the backpack is basically stocked with all the familiar items found in mountaineering backpacks (along with careful attention to ease of use), backed by years of experience, so even those experiencing mountaineering for the first time will have no trouble choosing one

Parts designed for durability and ease of use in the field, such as buckles that can be easily and securely operated even with gloves on

The main compartment can be accessed through a drawstring-style opening at the top (see photo below). The new single-piece fabric design and drawcords that can be easily loosened by opening both sides allow for smooth access to your belongings. There are also compression straps here for securing climbing ropes, making it suitable for a wide range of activities

At the bottom of the front there is a traditional bottom access zipper for taking things like sleeping bags in and out (see photo below). The main compartment has two compartments, so you can pack things in the top and bottom compartments

However, if I were to be greedy, I would like the main compartment to be accessible from somewhere other than the top or bottom (this is the case on Saas-Fee backpacks over 50 liters). It may be considered luxury, but there are many models these days, even in the 40 liter class, that allow you to access the upper compartment in some way without opening the rain cover, and this is undoubtedly more convenient

The sides feature compression straps and shallow and deep gusseted stretch pockets (see photo below). The side straps are relatively long, so you can even tie a closed-cell mat in there

It's also very convenient that you can pack large items in a variety of ways, such as using the bottom straps, the front (by wrapping the side straps around the front and fastening them), or the top (by clipping them to the rain cover) (see photo below). The side straps that can be wrapped around the front are especially great for tying down bulky items like snowshoes and snowshoes during the snowy season

The deep, gusseted stretch pocket can accommodate a 1L Nalgene bottle vertically and a 500ml bottle horizontally, with openings on both the top and bottom (see photo below). This is a convenient mechanism (also available in the previous model) that allows you to access bottles while standing without having to put the backpack down. Unfortunately, the opening on the new model is narrower than the previous model, making it quite difficult to access (though not impossible). Ideally, it would be better if the pocket could safely accommodate a wide range of bottle sizes, not just the slim 500ml

There are two loops on the front for poles and axes, so it is easy to use (see photo below)

There are two top and bottom pockets on the top lid (see photo below). You can store thin and thick items in an organized manner, and the rain cover is also stored here

The large foldable pocket on my beloved waist harness is still there (see photo below). Its large capacity, large enough to fit a 500ml bottle, helps reduce stress while on the move

Additionally, the newly (and finally) added mesh stretch pocket on the shoulder harness (see photo below) is large enough to fit a bottle, soft flask, and even a large smartphone

The hydration can be placed and secured in the internal sleeve, and the hole for the tube is located in the center, making it easy to pull out, so setting it up was stress-free (see photo below)

Summary: A solid all-around backpack that combines top-class comfort with functionality for tough mountain climbing

Millet SAAS FEE NX 40+5 Deep Red Mountaineering Backpack (Back Length: 48cm)

created by Rinker

MILLET

¥20,790 (as of 2026/02/04 18:25:38, according to Amazon - details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Market
• Yahoo Shopping

It's often difficult to make bold changes to classic items because of the large number of loyal users. If the good points of the previous model are erased, existing fans will drift away, but new fans won't be gained unless new appeal is added. Taking a new step while facing such a contradiction requires both careful consideration and courageous decision-making. This latest update retains the basic appeal of comfort and stability while adding practical features such as water repellency, light weight, high durability, and shoulder storage in a unique approach, making it a positively evaluated update

As the reviews say, the Saas Fee apart from other backpacks is its high versatility, in a good sense. Of course, high versatility can easily lead to being "merely mediocre" if not handled properly. However, the Saas Fee . It combines a comfortable fit that everyone will enjoy with the high level of functionality that has been cultivated as a long-established mountaineering brand, making it an all-around backpack that allows you to experience true versatility.

However, because of its high level of perfection, while it strives for a solitary ideal form, I feel like it could use some more user-friendly parts and specifications in the small details (which are becoming commonplace in other latest backpacks). For example, direct access to the main compartment and adjustable back length should be good even for a 40-liter backpack. Even now, however, there's no doubt that this backpack is excellent enough to handle any mountain activity year-round, from beginners to experienced runners, in all seasons, from hiking to mountaineering. If you're interested in this new mountain backpack, a candidate for Japan's top mountaineering representative, I highly recommend stopping by a store to try it out

   

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